SONIC, AMERICA’S DRIVE-IN opened its doors last weekend after a ribbon cutting ceremony July 23 that drew city and business leaders to the Parrish Lane site. Chase and Talyn Robertson (right) help prepare the new Sonic for its busy opening last weekend. Photos by Louise R. Shaw | Davis Clipper

CENTERVILLE — For fans of Sonic, America’s Drive-In, the newly opened fast-food restaurant in Centerville will have a few surprises.

As is traditional, made-to-order food will be delivered to cars by car-hops on in-line skates or roller skates.

But the newest Utah Sonic, just north of Walmart, at 250 W. Parrish Lane, will also feature indoor seating with sports screens, and patio seating.

It’s the first in Utah and the third in the nation to have these amenities, according to Rick Timmons, one of four partners in the venture.

In addition, digital menus will be available for drive-up customers, allowing them to “interact with the menu,” said Timmons.

Whether you want cranberries in your drink or jalapenos in your ice cream, you can drag and drop menu offerings on the digitial screen and request any combination, said Timmons.

Timmons and his brothers Ryan and Rob, together with Sean Robertson, own the local Sonic franchises, which now include 21 restaurants in Utah and three in Idaho.

For Robertson and his wife, Debra, opening the Centerville store has been especially exciting.

“I have about 100 in-laws in Centerville and Bountiful,” said Robertson. “We love this area.”

He said Sonics are invested in their communities and work to provide scholarships to students and support school needs. The new Centerville store has hired 80 people, 99 percent of them from Centerville and Bountiful, he said.

Debra Peterson, a graduate of Viewmont High who once wore the crown of Miss Utah, is excited to bring the family-oriented business to her hometown area.

She loved the enthusiastic reception they got at the Fourth of July parade, she said, adding that a store in Centerville had been “a long time coming.”

Mayor Paul Cutler welcomed the new business and said it would be a “great addition” to the community.

“Sonic brings a fun atmosphere and great food that should complement the things in this area,” he told the Clipper. “We expect the sale of rollerblades and roller skates to increase as soon as Sonic opens,” he said with a smile.

The new Sonic is located at the site that once housed Ray’s Muffler of Centerville. It officially opened for business on July 26.

Hours are 6 a.m. to midnight. At “Happy Hour,” from 2 to 4 p.m. each day, there are half-price drinks. Shakes are half-price after 8 p.m., according to Rick Timmons.

Other favorites are“supersonic” bacon cheeseburgers and chicken club toaster sandwiches.